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In pictures: Red Hot Chilli Pipers top off sun-soaked Scottish Coal Carrying Championship in Kelty

This competitor showed grim determination as he tackled the course.
This competitor showed grim determination as he tackled the course.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers topped off a terrific day at the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship in Kelty on Saturday.

The group took to the stage at Kelty Community Centre to entertain the crowds after the popular races.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers rocked the Coal Carrying Championship, Kelty.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Kelty Community Centre. Picture Steve Brown / DCT Media.

Thousands of people lined Main Street to cheer on competitors in the bizarre but gruelling event.

It sees men carry a 50kg bag of coal over a one kilometre uphill course, which includes a section known as hell hill.

Women attempt the same course with a 25kg bag, while there is also a shorter children’s race.

This year’s participants had it tough as the sun blazed down in the west Fife town.

But there were cheers as, one by one, they completed their feats of endurance.

Mascots’ race and funfair

The Scottish Coal Carrying Championship is one of only two coal races in the world and is the only one in Scotland.

It started with a parade involving various local groups, led by Methil and District Pipe Band.

Excitement beginning to build at the National Pride UK Scottish Coal Carrying Championships in Kelty this afternoon. Parade led by Methil & District Pipe BandGreat job by the local organisers!

Posted by Neale Hanvey MP on Saturday, 27 August 2022

And anticipation grew as the mascots’ race got under way.

It saw runners dressed as various characters make a dash for the finish line.

And with Saturday’s heat, the only saving grace was they weren’t carrying bags of coal.

Meanwhile, a street fair and a funfair added to the entertainment.

Organiser Michael Boyle described the event as terrific and said he was already looking forward to next year.

Courier photographer Steve Brown was there to capture the action.

A competitor nearing the finish line.
Coal Carrying Championship Kelty
Thousands turned out to cheer on the racers.
Men heft 50 kg of coal along the 1 kilometre route.
Women carry 25kg bags of coal.
Fife Flyers mascot Geordie Munro leads the way in the mascots’ race.
The mascots battle it out.
Pain and celebration at the finish line.
En route to the finish.
A difficult moment with a heavy bag of coal.
Most people carry the bags on their shoulders.
The Drozd family celebrates at the finish line.
Leo Harrower from Cowdenbeath enjoying the entertainment with his uncle.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers whip up the crowd.
Holy smokes Batman!
Deborah Johnson, Tracey Yule, Katie Watters and Vivienne Stewart finish the Coal Carrying Race.
Eilidh Wilson, 6, enjoys the bumper cars.
Sophie Robertson, 6, from Kelty, on the bungee swing with mum Lisa.
Damien Turcza and Aleksandra Tulace celebrate with a kiss at the finish line.

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